With reference to "pathogens", consider the following statements: 1. Pathogens are beneficial microorganisms that protect humans from diseases. 2. They can enter the human body through air, water, or food. 3. Some pathogens require a vector like a mosquito to transmit disease. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Pathogens are biological agents that cause disease or illness to their host. They include a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Pathogens are, by definition, harmful microorganisms that cause diseases. While there are many beneficial microorganisms (such as gut bacteria or those used in fermentation) that protect humans or aid biological processes, they are not classified as pathogens. - Statement 2 is Correct. Pathogens can enter the human body through various means of transmission. Common routes include breathing in contaminated air (airborne), consuming contaminated food or water (waterborne/foodborne), or through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces. - Statement 3 is Correct. Many pathogens rely on intermediate carriers, known as vectors, to transmit diseases from one host to another. For example, the female Anopheles mosquito acts as a vector for the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Key Takeaway: Pathogens are disease-causing agents distinct from beneficial microbes. They transmit diseases through direct contact, contaminated air/water/food, or vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 2: Microorganisms : friend and foe

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With reference to "pathogens", consider the following statements:

Pathogens are beneficial microorganisms that protect humans from diseases.
They can enter the human body through air, water, or food.
Some pathogens require a vector like a mosquito to transmit disease.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Pathogens are biological agents that cause disease or illness to their host. They include a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Pathogens are, by definition, harmful microorganisms that cause diseases. While there are many beneficial microorganisms (such as gut bacteria or those used in fermentation) that protect humans or aid biological processes, they are not classified as pathogens.
Statement 2 is Correct. Pathogens can enter the human body through various means of transmission. Common routes include breathing in contaminated air (airborne), consuming contaminated food or water (waterborne/foodborne), or through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
Statement 3 is Correct. Many pathogens rely on intermediate carriers, known as vectors, to transmit diseases from one host to another. For example, the female Anopheles mosquito acts as a vector for the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria.

Key Takeaway: Pathogens are disease-causing agents distinct from beneficial microbes. They transmit diseases through direct contact, contaminated air/water/food, or vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Microorganisms : friend and foe

With reference to microorganisms, consider the following statements: 1. They are classified into four major groups: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae. 2. They can survive only in moderate climates and die in ice-cold or hot spring environments. 3. Some microorganisms are unicellular, while others are multicellular. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following characteristics distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms?

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Consider the following statements regarding the habitat of microorganisms: 1. They are found in air, water, and soil but not inside the bodies of animals. 2. They can exist freely as well as grow on other organisms. 3. They are capable of surviving in deserts and marshy lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following human diseases is caused by a protozoan pathogen?

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Consider the following pairs of microorganisms and their classification: 1. Aspergillus : Algae 2. Paramecium : Protozoa 3. Penicillium : Fungi 4. Spirogyra : Bacteria How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Pathogens are biological agents that cause disease or illness to their host. They include a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Pathogens are, by definition, harmful microorganisms that cause diseases. While there are many beneficial microorganisms (such as gut bacteria or those used in fermentation) that protect humans or aid biological processes, they are not classified as pathogens.
Statement 2 is Correct. Pathogens can enter the human body through various means of transmission. Common routes include breathing in contaminated air (airborne), consuming contaminated food or water (waterborne/foodborne), or through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
Statement 3 is Correct. Many pathogens rely on intermediate carriers, known as vectors, to transmit diseases from one host to another. For example, the female Anopheles mosquito acts as a vector for the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria.